The 2014 Volvo S60 and V60 are now on sale in Australia, introducing fresh styling and new technologies to the restructured mid-sized line-ups.
Volvo Australia has cut the number of variants in its S60 range from 11 to eight (including the special edition S60 Polestar performance model) and sliced the V60 range from 10 derivatives to six as it simplifies its offering in the ultra-competitive 3 Series/C-Class segment.
The entry-level T4 petrol engine has been dropped from the V60 line-up, while the lower tune of the T6 engine has been discontinued from both model lines, with Volvo Australia opting for the high-performance T6 R-Design tune only.
The 132kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol S60 T4 continues as the base model, available in $49,990 Kinetic and $54,990 Luxury trims. Teamed with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 9.0 seconds while combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 litres per 100km.
The $5000 premium for the Luxury specification adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 17s), active bending lights, keyless entry with push-button start, satellite navigation with voice control, electrically adjustable passenger seat, wood grain trim, and a vehicle alarm.
Above it sits the 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre five-cylinder diesel D4, which is also offered in Kinetic ($55,990) and Luxury ($60,990) trims. The V60 is available with the same two D4 variants – both priced $1000 above the equivalent sedans. A six-speed automatic transmission facilitates a 9.2sec 0-100km/h sprint and combined consumption of 5.9L/100km (V60: 9.4sec, 6.0L/100km).
The mid-spec 177kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder S60 T5 is available in Luxury ($58,990) and R-Design ($60,190) trims, as well as three derivatives of the V60 wagon: $54,990 Kinetic, $59,990 Luxury and $63,140 R-Design. It covers 0-100km/h in 7.5sec and uses fuel at a rate of 8.6L/100km (V60: 7.7sec, 8.7L/100km) with the help of a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Over Luxury trim, the R-Design specification adds unique exterior design and interior upholstery and styling appointments, 10-speaker premium audio system (up from the standard eight speakers), speed sensitive power steering and the sports chassis.
The 242kW/480Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder T6 petrol engine is now exclusive to the R-Design models, priced from $75,140 for the S60 and $78,140 for the V60. The sole all-wheel-drive model employs a six-speed auto – now standard with paddleshifters – to launch from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds, while drinking 10.2L/100km combined (V60: 5.8sec, 10.3L/100km).
The mid-life update brings a new face to the mid-sized duo, highlighted by redesigned headlights, a wider grille and a new emphasis on horizontal lines at the front and rear. New alloy wheel designs also contribute to the fresh look of the updated models.
New sports seats promise to bring greater support and comfort to the front passengers, while an adaptive digital instrument cluster display, and new upholstery colours, wood inlays, headliners and metal frame liners update the look and feel of the cabin.
A host of new and updated safety systems are available across the Volvo S60 and V60 ranges, including Active High Beam Control, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Cornering Light, Enhanced Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Road Sign Information, and City Safety, which now operates at speeds up to 50km/h.
A $5000 Driver Support Pack is available on Luxury and R-Design models and adds Blind Spot Info and Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Alert System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Full Auto-brake, front and rear parking sensors, and auto-dimming mirrors.
CarAdvice is at the launch of the 2014 Volvo S60 and V60. Stay tuned for our review, coming soon.
Volvo S60 manufacturer’s list prices:
T4 Kinetic – $49,990 T4 Luxury – $54,990 D4 Kinetic – $55,990 D4 Luxury – $60,990 T5 Luxury – $58,990 T5 R-Design – $60,190 T6 R-Design – $75,140
Volvo V60 manufacturer’s list prices:
D4 Kinetic – $56,990 D4 Luxury – $61,990 T5 Kinetic – $54,990 T5 Luxury – $59,990 T5 R-Design – $63,140 T6 R-Design – $78,140
